1787 New Jersey copper. Maris 29-L. Rarity-5. Outlined Shield. VF-30 (PCGS).149.4 grains. Mottled rose and brown, an unnatural shade from an ancient light cleaning. A rectangular area on the obverse is more toned than the rest of the coin; perhaps from a museum label that protected that part of the coin? The centering is good, with denticles everywhere but the upper left quadrant of the obverse. The reverse shows denticles at lower left only but is also well struck and well centered. Perfect dies, Die State 1, with a strong central strike. Very Fine is a strong grade for this variety, and this piece is problem-free but for the slightly “pekid” (and probably recoverable) patina. The sharpness is every bit as strong as the Taylor-O’Donnell-Demling coin (ranked fifth) or the Siboni, Howes, Ish plate coin in the Ish collection (ranked sixth).From the E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers.
